WOKING WRITERS CIRCLE MEETING ON THURSDAY DECEMBER 15 AT ST MARY’S CHURCH, HORSELL

Emily, Simona, Hilary, Heather, Tricia, and Alan sent apologies.

It was a frosty night when Peter, Liz, Amanda, Carla, and Sarah arrived at our Woking Writers Circle venue, greeted by the pretty sound of choir practice in the adjacent church. The warden, Mike, made a friendly appearance at the start of the meeting, and we welcomed him to the table to join in with the festive treats, wine and the news update.

News

Peter introduced the subject of attracting new members to the WWC. It is important to retain, attract and welcome new members. We agreed to keep this topic on the agenda each month as this will be an effective way of keeping focused as well as following up on ideas and actions each month.

Liz agreed she will continue to progress an opportunity for some regular space with the Woking News and Mail.

Peter has spoken to the Branch Manager of Woking library to see if it would be possible for the WWC to do something at the library and the Manager was enthusiastic to support this. Members writing would be read aloud and performed. We produce a wide range of writing including poetry, prose, plays, theatre reviews, and novels (extracts). This would be an opportunity to show case the diverse output of WWC members and attract interest. Peter suggested that we might consider a writing theme of Woking. We agreed that a lunchtime would be appropriate since it may attract workers on a lunch break. Holding the event during the school holidays would enable Amanda to join in. Liz suggested light refreshments might be available.

Mike helpfully mentioned that the publication Horsell Matters might also be an appropriate publication if WWC would like to submit an article. This opportunity was welcomed, and we will think about something suitable.

Liz updated members about another possibility when talking with people at The Lionheart Book Shop and Café in Woking as they are enthusiastic about poetry. Liz agreed to take the lead on this opportunity and chat to them again further. We agreed an early evening, 6pm event might work well, and all agreed ideally the event should be no longer than 90 minutes.

Peter summed up that we can mull over these ideas, take any actions agreed and discuss further at the next meeting and move things forward.

Readings

Sarah explained how Peter’s reading at the last meeting ‘Punk Girl at the Co-op’ reminded her of an old journal entry she had written years ago on a visit to Canada called ‘Salt Spring Island Lady’ and read this short piece together with an observation of ‘Salt Spring Island Mist.’ Reflecting on this Sarah felt that it was helpful to write about small moments witnessed that have an impact. Peter agreed that these glimpses are useful to write about and store to be used in other works ‘File it away and when writing a story, pull things in.’  Liz felt inspired to write more when she goes on her travels and described these written glimpses as ‘literary photographs.’

Peter explained that he was continuing to write a story about his father who was a professional ice skater and went on to serve in World War II. After experimenting with different options to convey his father’s interesting life story, Peter decided to tell the story by inventing a fictional character, Tommy Smith. Tommy will recall his vivid reflections in his old age and will time travel to different episodes, not necessarily in chronological order. After trying different approaches, Peter felt that writing in the style of a third person, past tense narrator might work best and proceeded to read the extract, seeking some feedback on how effective this was. Carla felt the writing was intimate and set the scene well. Liz was at ease with the writing and meditative tone, feeling that Peter had found something good to write about and that he was well versed in the theme. Liz concluded it had a good style and enough characterisation. Sarah liked the description of the evacuees and felt there was a film like quality to the writing. Carla thought the last two paragraphs were evocative and reflected the thoughts of the character. Peter felt he was finding the voice and was starting to feel happier with the approach.

Carla brought copies of two Christmas Poems she admires and read them out beautifully. The first poem, Various Portents by prize winning poet Alice Oswald. (A link to the poem is at the end of the notes).

Having various structures, repetition and themes Carla felt the repeating vision of the stars is an image of hope. Liz felt the poem was like a list and there was a lot to take in, but the poem was physical, musical and intense. Peter commented ‘you could read the poem a few times and get something different from the poem each time.’

The second poem, December by Carole Ann Duffy, Poet Laureate 2009-2019. (A link to a musical version of the poem is at the end of the notes).

Carla commented that the subject of stars is present in her mind in uncertain times. Amanda summed up ‘You don’t know what’s happening, but you know the stars are always there.’  Carla highlighted the line in the poem ‘These nights are gifts, our hands unwrapping the darkness to see what we have.’ Carla is very inspired by Duffy’s work. Liz felt the poem was poetic, physical and imaginative. Liz thanked Carla for introducing the poems and felt very inspired. Amanda highlighted two other works by Duffy, Warming Her Pearls and The World’s Wife. Everyone agreed the poems Carla brought to the evening were lovely choices and inspirational.

Liz reminded us of her recent poem ‘Northeast’ which looked back on her life in the 1960’s. Liz recalled that she discussed this poem with a new acquaintance. The young man offered to review the poem. In his feedback he suggested a few things but one of note was to change ‘Maggie’s first boyfriend’ to ‘Maggie’s lad.’  Liz was delighted with this change and gained a greater understanding and appreciation of the art of removing or changing some things. Peter agreed this was a valuable learning although challenging to ‘kill your darlings.’ Peter mentioned that Tennyson had different versions of ‘The Lady of Shalott.’ Moving on from the useful discussion about writing techniques Liz read her Christmas 2022 newsletter. Some of the topics covered were her pride in Woking’s refugee efforts current and historic, updates on grandchildren, the Arts, Woking Writers Circle, her recently published works, the reading group, a little about health challenges and the late Queen. Some friendly banter occurred about the use of the term ‘Salad days.’  Sarah commented that all the different topics flowed well. Peter felt the letter was stimulating and interesting with a good ending. Amanda enquired how long Liz had been producing the letter and established this has been 40 years and Liz has copies of each year. Everyone agreed the letter had no hint of the dreaded ‘bragging’ type of Christmas newsletter and Amanda particularly liked the inclusion of literary interests.

During the closing of the meeting, we pulled some of the crackers that Liz had kindly brought along and read out some of the jokes. The food was wonderful and plentiful. Leftovers were generously shared to take home.

Merry Christmas to all as we look forward to more readings, inspiration, laughter and welcoming more members at future meetings in 2023

Next meeting: 19th January 2023

Jobs for January:

Chair: Sarah

Minutes: Heather

Milk and biscuits or cake: Carla

Wine: Simona

Homework: Literary photograph

If you are interested in writing and would like to attend a Woking Writers Circle Meeting to see what it is like, do come along. Meetings are held every third Thursday of the month. The next meeting is 19th January 2023 – 7:30 – St Mary’s, Horsell in the adjoining St Andrews Room GU21 4QQ. Do bring something you have written if you wish. We look forward to seeing you.

Various Portents by Alice Oswald

https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/56339/various-portents

December by Carole Ann Duffy. A musical version of the poem by LiTTLe MACHiNe

December by Carol Ann Duffy and LiTTLe MACHiNe – YouTube

Christmas illustration by kind permission of Carla

Notes by Sarah